How do you unlock the antler pickaxe for early-game mining?

The antler pickaxe is the first mining tool available in Valheim and is essential for gathering early-game metals like copper and tin. To unlock and craft the antler pickaxe, you must first defeat Eikthyr, the first boss in the game. Eikthyr is found in the Meadows biome, and summoning him requires two deer trophies, which are dropped by deer in the same biome. Once you have the trophies, place them on Eikthyr''s altar to summon and defeat him.\n\nAfter defeating Eikthyr, you will receive hard antlers as a reward. These hard antlers are the key ingredient for crafting the antler pickaxe. To craft the pickaxe, you will also need 10 wood, which can be gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Open your crafting menu (press Tab) and navigate to the tools section to find the antler pickaxe recipe. Once crafted, the pickaxe will allow you to mine copper and tin deposits, which are critical for progressing to bronze tools and weapons.\n\nOne common challenge for new players is locating deer to obtain the trophies needed to summon Eikthyr. Deer are skittish and will flee if you approach too quickly. To increase your chances of success, crouch (press Ctrl) to reduce your noise level and use a bow to hunt them from a distance. Alternatively, you can set up a small base near a deer spawn area and wait for them to appear. Patience and stealth are key to gathering the required trophies efficiently.\n\nOnce you have the antler pickaxe, head to the Black Forest biome to find copper and tin deposits. Copper deposits are large, rocky outcrops with greenish veins, while tin deposits are smaller, shiny rocks found near water. Mining these metals will require stamina, so make sure to bring food like cooked meat or berries to keep your stamina bar full. Additionally, be prepared to defend yourself against Greydwarves and other hostile creatures in the Black Forest.\n\nA practical tip for early-game mining is to set up a small outpost near your mining site. This outpost should include a workbench, a bed for respawning, and a chest to store your mined materials. This setup will save you time and effort, as you won''t need to travel back to your main base frequently. Additionally, consider bringing a portal to connect your mining outpost to your main base for even greater efficiency.\n\nFinally, remember that the antler pickaxe is a starting tool and has limited durability. Always carry materials to repair it at a workbench, or consider upgrading to a bronze pickaxe as soon as possible. By following these steps and tips, you''ll be well-equipped to gather the metals needed for your Viking adventures in Valheim.